Contributed by: fatheadfathead(others by this writer | submit your own)Published on November 5th 2001Let me first say that this is a review for the OpIv release containing their "Energy" LP, their "Hectic" EP, and two songs from a compilation. Not just the "Energy" LP.
The day I got this album, I was ready to move to California. I was obsessed with Green Day(the first two records) at the tim.

Let me first say that this is a review for the OpIv release containing their "Energy" LP, their "Hectic" EP, and two songs from a compilation. Not just the "Energy" LP.

The day I got this album, I was ready to move to California. I was obsessed with Green Day(the first two records) at the time, and I noticed they covered a song by a band called Operation Ivy.Well, I went out and bought the tape, and Operation Ivy blew them away. I had never heard ska and punk together, and I dare say most of the world hadn't either. Their rough, balls-out reggae core was permantly lodged into my brain, and I would eventually wear the tape out, and be forced to buy the CD.

Jesse Michaels, the front man and main lyricist, knows his shit. Politically stirring most of the time, but topics like unity in a hard scene, love, and police bastards are all covered through the lengthy, poetic lyrics. I have never heard one man say so much in a single song. And I'm not just talking about the messages. He really does say a lot, literally.

The upbeat ska-punk that Operation Ivy laid claims to would eventually make it to the mainstream, but would never even come close to what OpIv did in their short stint as a band. It even goes as far as bands like Assorted Jelly Beans, who, while a good band, blantanly copied Operation Ivy in every sense of the word. It's been done a thousand times over, but no one has equalled Operation Ivy's tenasity, infectousness,and lyricall genius.

For the first time listener, I would have to recommend downloading songs like "Freeze Up" or "Sound System". They will assuredly get your body moving. No one, and I mean NO ONE, has done ska-punk justice since this band, and NO ONE ever will. (well, slapstick and LTJ are pretty good too I guess.) If you like ska, if you like punk, if you like rap, if you like hardcore, if you like reggae, if you like....oh fuck, just buy the damn album.

P.S. The songs all came from 87 and 89, but I'm pretty sure this wasn't released until '91. If i'm wrong let me know. feel free to be as rude as possible.

The best Skacore album of all time and the album to which all ska punk albums will be compared to. Every song is so amazing and powerful after all these years. If you don't like Operation Ivy then you simply can't like ska.

Operation Ivy are one of my favorite bands and considering the fact they were only around for two years that is saying something. This album changed ska and hardcore forever and with good reason. All the songs just make me want to skank and hell some of them make me want to fuck. This album is just fucking wonderful.

I remember seeing this album and i was "holy crap! It's the Operation Ivy record!" I bought it in the spot out of happiness. I'm listening to it on a walk while taking pictures and I'm on sound system and I'm thinking "this is really damn good music"

When I was 16 or so... we'd buy a copy of MRR and pass it amongst ourselves and each spend enough to buy a few 7" every month (we'd circle the ones we sent off for, so we all got different stuff). My best friend was the one who got the Hectic 7". There was a skip at the end of Yellin' in My Ear, but we didn't care.

So, in 89, when Energy was going to be released, we all drove from our little hick town to Charlotte to a record store that would have it. We were there when they opened that day, and had an intolerable 1.5hr drive home to get to a record player.

Little did we know that the band was already broken up at that point... (we didn't get MRR every month in those days). We were crushed when we found out.

I was reflecting not too long ago that I've been listening to this band for more than 20 years, and that Energy (eventually the CD and not the LP) has been on my playlist more frequently than any other album.

In short, when you take the CD that has the EP, LP, and the tracks from the MRR comp, this is my all time favorite record.

Operation Ivy was an incredible band - all nervous energy, intensity, and bombastic lyrics. Although best captured live, this, their one and only record, is one of the best punk records since the movement began, and will always be a timeless classic.

The score is partly because they were the "pioneers" in the genre. The record is way too repetitive. Sound System is the best song in the album.

Anonymous (July 24, 2007)

Okay, so I know that Operation Ivy is good. But when people say things like "best album ever," do they really mean "ever" or do they mean "in punk music"? I mean, do people just not listen to other types of music on here? Have these people not heard the likes of Highway 51, Kind of Blue, Innervisions, etc? Punk is nice and all, and I find it quite fun, and there are even some surprisingly talented punk bands out there, but let's be honest here: Operation Ivy was NOT a great band in the large scheme of things, and punk is not exactly the breeding ground for talent.

One of the greatest punk albums of all time! No doubt about it, Operation Ivy has influenced so many bands out there today. If it wasn't for them, there wouldn't be Green Day, the Suicide Machines, Catch-22, Rancid, and so many others. Every song has incredibly poetic lyrics about social and political issues. Jesse Michaels has such a way with his delivery that he forces people to listen, but without sounding preachy. This is an album I can proudly say has shaped me and I will listen to it for it as long as I live.

Dude. Seriously. Op Ivy are mediocre at best. I was really into them when I first got into punk, but I just plain grew out of them. They're nothing but a gateway band to better stuff. They exist solely for people to go, "yeah, I was really into Op Ivy a couple of years ago, but now I just like "Sound System"".

Some albums are a nexus and a microcosm all their own. This is one of them. This little collection of tunes will still be kicked around speakers and radio stations fifty years from now. I have no doubt of it. This album never fails to animate and invigorate the souls of those who hear it, it's a virus in the classic Burroughsian sense, but a virus that fortifies and awakens those who are lucky enough to catch it: This music is passion in its rawest and most vitriolic form.
I'm sure you remember where you were when you first heard Op Ivy. I'm sure that, like me, you got it then and still get it now, you felt like you had discovered something so unbelievable and exceptional- you wanted to share it with everyone important to you.

I put this on and remember for a second what it was to be young and venomous, what it was like to believe that music could change the course of human destiny... For so many of us, coming of age in the early 90's- Op Ivy was our Clash, or perhaps one of those bands that caught their torch and ran with it.

All of which is to say, my affectations and bellicose meanderings aside: this is not a CD. This is the file in the cupcake. They had the balls to sneak it into your cell. The rest is up to you.

10 years ago this record just changed everything for me. Before Op Iv I liked punk, after listening to this record I was a punk rocker for ever. The whole 90s scene came form this record in combination with BR's Suffer. An absolute classic.

Well, its a good album, but there is better Skunk (with hardcore spin) bands out there. Ever heard of Choking Victim and Leftover Crack (almost the same band because the Stza & Ezra in both bands)? Well they made Skunk better than Operation Ivy ever could. I never get old of them like I did with OpIvy...
-Peace Crza

Dear Scott Heisel,
move on with your life. to me it seems you eagerly look for opportunities to jump in and defend yourself when no one cares. pathetic. you should worry about your business and other people will worry about theirs. you really dont know when to drop it. you are struggling to continue a pointless arguement that doesnt involve the people viewing it. do it somewhere else cause no one wants to read it on any forums. grow up and get out. i personally dont like your site only signed up to post this. i will not return again or ever recommend it to someone. if your posts are to recruit people to your site im afraid its doing the exact opposite. just letting you know its getting old.

It can't be explained why this album and this band rocked like a hurricane. It's just a given. I have to contain the urge to dance around on the train, when "Sound System" is coming through my headphones.

Ten years before Op ivy came out there were punk influences in ska and ska in punk...(The Clash, The Specials, etc), but Op Ivy definitely did it like no one had heard before and essentially developed a whole new genre.

RX Bandits really arent that great. they are good. But nothing memorable. And the Police are much better then them.

Anonymous (August 17, 2003)

"Sure, I like a little RxB every now and then but im not going to base everything im interested in off of them."

You don't fucking get it. The Police are a lot better than RXB anyway and even if you don't base what you listen to off of their inspirations, maybe you should try it. Obviously you like trash. You are trash. Go fuck.

Anonymous (August 17, 2003)

"Their way to old for a young person such as myself."

For one, you spelled "they're" wrong, for two, you are a fucking jackass. You say I have lost all credibility? Well at least I can admit that modern underground music is not one tenth as good as that of the 70s or 80s... Yeah. "Fuck the Clash, they're OLD!". Ask Jesse Michaels or Tim Armstrong even what they think of old bands... Shit, Blitz was doing this "reggae/ska/punk for idiots" 8 years ahead of these guys. I really kind of like this band, but I was just saying otherwise to piss you off... And it worked.

Also, in all honesty, I know how to play reggae guitar and Tim didn't know how to in this band. It's obvious if you listen to a lot of reggae and ska.

"Are you serious analog boy? Go ask the Rx Bandits what they think of the Police. jackass"

Weirdo... I said they weren't ska punk. And in my personal opinion, I don't like them. Their way to old for a young person such as myself. Why the fuck would I want to ask the Rx Bandits too? Sure, I like a little RxB every now and then but im not going to base everything im interested in off of them. Erm.. jackass.

Oh yeah... I was wondering. What does Tim Armstrong do wrong when he plays ska. I'm not saying your wrong and Tim plays it right. I have no knowledge about any Jamacian(sp?) ska. I was just wondering since I play guitar what he does wrong. Ok, thanks.

Anonymous (August 17, 2003)

fast paced*

-c22

Anonymous (August 17, 2003)

Alrighty, from you say "Knowledge to Missionary". Now, this can mean two things, you're either comparing the two, which of course would be ignorant, seeing as that Missionary is waaay more fast placed than Knowledge. Or you are'nt aware of the fact that theres 8 more songs on this cd after Missionary... hmmm...

-c22

Anonymous (August 17, 2003)

Oh okay, Catch 22. From "Knowledge" to "Missionary", this CD is just formulatic BS. I can't believe people diss the Ramones and listen to this wannabe shit over and over. NOTHING NEW.

-BSD

Anonymous (August 17, 2003)

Your not answering my question (though this is nothing new). Listen to the entire cd, and pick out 2 or more songs that sound the same, to justify your claim.

-c22

Anonymous (August 17, 2003)

Try all of them... The cheapo ska tech guitar gets really old after a while, and the bass is nothing catchy or fun... Listen, if you think "sped up is better" then this might be your bag... But for everyone with a taste for melody (the basis for all reggae and ska), this sucks. Little Timmy Armstrong doesn't even do the ska guitar thing right. This record sounds so fucked up if you listen to real Jamaican ska... I tell ya.

-BSD

Anonymous (August 16, 2003)

the*

-c22

Anonymous (August 16, 2003)

Name some songs that sound he same, I dare you...

-c22

Anonymous (August 16, 2003)

Oh yeah. Right. This album is too damned long and filled with songs that suck and sound the same.

-BSD

Anonymous (August 15, 2003)

Hmm I think my post three posts down finally shut BSD up....

-c22

Anonymous (August 15, 2003)

Yaaaa and OpIvy's totaly reggae huh?

-c22

Anonymous (August 14, 2003)

There's a reason good reggae albums don't have 27 songs on them...

Anonymous (August 13, 2003)

hmm, never varied? Lets see, we have "Sound System", and "Plea For Peace", but nahhhhh those 2 songs sound exactly the same, huh? Fucking moron.

Anonymous (August 13, 2003)

At least LoC vary from the ska/punk formula... At least all of their songs don't sound like bad attempts at sounding cool and "ragga". Unlike your FACE.

-BSD

Anonymous (August 13, 2003)

"the most overrated band EVER"?
Nahh, that title definitly belongs with "Leftover Crack", douche.

Anonymous (August 12, 2003)

"I couldn't give a fuck less what color a band is, all I give a fuck about is if their good, and in OpIvy's case, words cannot descibe them. So shut the fuck up you dumbass."

Hahaha. I think words can describe them. "Mildly original ska punk band". I was just taking the piss on you guys, as usual, and you fell for it. This band is nothing special. Well, it is in that it's sooo overrated that it'll go down in history as being the most overrated band EVER.

-BSD

Anonymous (August 11, 2003)

"You like them just cos they're white guys" - BSD
Hmmm... So you pretty much mean = "You like a band that I don't, so i'm gona call you a racist"
Is it me, or does this sound like the "singer" from Simple Plan?
Hmmm.....

Anonymous (August 11, 2003)

What the fuck are you talking about BSD? I guess I was right when I said you were full of mindless bullshit. I couldn't give a fuck less what color a band is, all I give a fuck about is if their good, and in OpIvy's case, words cannot descibe them. So shut the fuck up you dumbass.

Anonymous (August 11, 2003)

Look these guys are overrated. You like them just cos they're white guys. I mean, black bands had been doing this stuff for years. Why aren't you all orgasming over those bands' records?

-BSD

Anonymous (August 11, 2003)

Are you serious analog boy? Go ask the Rx Bandits what they think of the Police. jackass

Anonymous (August 8, 2003)

And you never answered my question, what fans are you talking about? Or were you just typing mindless bullshit like you usually do?

Anonymous (August 8, 2003)

"Kiddy ska shit"? You must die. Now. Your life is worthless, no one likes you, you just piss everyone off, and make them hate you even more. Just die.

Hmmm, and what fans are these? No one asked you to bitch, because no one wants you to. Shut the fuck up for god sakes.

Anonymous (August 3, 2003)

Hey, for the fans, I must bitch. Maybe if you guys posted less crappy reviews, I wouldn't "bitch".

-BSD

Anonymous (August 2, 2003)

Goddamnit i'm really starting to hate BSD. All you do is go to reviews and bitch, so shut the fuck up, no one gives a shit who you wacked off to. Douche.

Anonymous (July 28, 2003)

I like the Specials S/T a lot better than this...

-BSD

Anonymous (July 27, 2003)

Op Ivy were great... But fuck the rest of what you said. I take it you must not be that old, because you come off as a total idiot. Total. I lost my virginity to my hand while listening to Discharge. How punk is that?

you know, i really don't think that the impact of op ivy is about only the category they fit into or the lyrics only or even the musicianship. man, it's all about the combination of those things and their ability to create a moment. think about it; every moment any one of us punks (especially old school punks)had a moment, a defining moment in our lives punk rock was there.: i lost my virginity to bombshell by op ivy and she's a rocker by the adicts. i got proposed to in a distillers show... you see what i mean? quit your bitching about the technicalities of what op ivy were or what they weren't, simply remember they were there, they made music and you rocked out to it in a big way. we as a punk community continuously argue and bicker about ridiculous shit but we need to come together and agree that we all have diff opinions on what's good and what's rubbish. keep in mind punk is about having a moment, spreading the truth, and saying something significant. and for the rest of you asses who continue to break punk down chord by chord: get a life, enjoy the music, the moment, the message. fuck the rest, you dig?
*rock out whenever you can*

Anonymous (July 21, 2003)

I can see how one could hear that... But the Police, to me, just weren't very aggresive. Definitely not dangerous. Really, just old hippies jumping on an easy bandwagon.

Note the use of the words 'almost' and 'early'. If you've heard early Police, you can definitely notice the punk influence, especially when they played live. That coupled up with the sometimes sped up reggae, almost gives you ska punk. Knowwhatimsayin g?

Anonymous (July 17, 2003)

Police? Come on. They were kinda... new wave/reggae... No punk. And then they ventured int crapiness. And now Sting went from singing about whores to doing the soundtracks for Disney movies.

Anyone who says that The Specials' "Little Bitch" wasn't ska punk must be off their rocker. Fishbone definitley played ska and definitley played punk but I can't say that they definitely mixed the two in the same song. Does that mean that they weren't ska punk? I don't think so. I, along with countless others, consider them the first ska punk band (as well as the first metal ska, soul punk and whatever other variations you can make from all the different styles they play).

Anonymous (July 10, 2003)

2 posts below.. its Manman, but still the same, yes he is a fucking moron. I am done.

Anonymous (July 9, 2003)

Hmm...... actually the singer was not a junkie, I have no idea where you got this.

Well, Anonymous, you have one thing right: Op Ivy makes music that you can listen to. It is too bad that Op Ivy doesn't exist anymore, eh? These guys aren't really the sound I associate with punk, they sound more like Ska or something. These guys are more "punk" than any band taking on MTV. Oops, I meant they were. Since these guys don't make music by this name anymore, I would have to say Op Ivy pales in comparison to Common Rider. If only "Op Ivy" were seeing some profit from all the merchandise "punk" losers buy from big business, maybe I wouldn't like them. Still, it is good. I would recommend this to people who like music.

Anonymous (June 25, 2003)

Lets get this cd, and Strung Out - Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues, the top spots damnit!

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

Hey,
Alright cool, ill definitly check out Glenn's bass lines (i actually play bass, so i feel pretty damn stupid for missing this...).
I said Freeman was better from looking at the opivy songs "caution" and "my life, king of ska" and the rancid songs "Maxwell Murders" and "Axiom", but as i said, ill check out Glenn.
And ill look around for what your saying about about the drugs and that.

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

P.S.

Look around at band bios on the 'net... It's pretty well known that the band exploded in a furor of sex and drugs...

"Too much, too soon" I guess!

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

Its nice to know you aren't just another idiot, but if you listen to Glenn's bass lines, you'd know he didn't just play regular scales all sped up to sounds cool... He actually cared about what bass is there for in the first place: rhyhthm. The jaded pop punk creeps on this site force me to make bitter posts every once and a while.

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

alrite man,
first off, i dont need someone going over my grammer. state your point, and skip the bullshit. I see about what you meant before, and its my bad, i must have missed that, so cool thanks for clearing that up. Also, i really really REALLY want to know where you got the info about how jessie was a junkie. Lasty, "Glenn was actually a much better bassist than Matt Freeman" your way off on this, easy as that. But, cool that you cleared up your points, as i was under the influence that you were just another idiot on this site.

Anonymous (June 20, 2003)

"is it me, or do the people of this site get stupider and stupider as the days go by...............

to the person two posts below me,
how do 2 members of a 4 person band (opivy), that aren't even in that respective band anymore, make up the entire opinion of that band? you make absolutly no sense.

And, to the person three posts below me,
"they broke up cos their singer was a strung out junkie" = where the hell did u get this? you are a fucking idiot until you can back this statement up...

Also, backing the person directly below me,
why the hell are people comparing the pistols to opivy? in my opinion, opivy destroys the pistols in every way possible, as in bass, vocals, lyrics, etc., etc. With the person 6 posts below me, that said "the Pistols did it first and better", whats your point? the pistols never even tryed to do anything with ska, therefore they did nothing "first" or "better". Idiots."

You're so bright you don't know how to capitalize the first letters of sentences. If you read any of the posts I (being the person who said the Pistols did it first and better) was replying to, you'd see that a lot of ignorant "nofx and op-ivy created punk" people were bashing great old bands like the Clash and the Sex Pistols...

There is quite a comparison, when talking about lyrics. Some fuckhole (who plrobably had only heard "Anarchy in the U.K. and nothing else) stated that Johnny Rotten's lyrics and delivery suck compared to Jesse's... And that comment, to me and most educated people who know the history of punk, is arrogant and untrue...

I'll take a real Cockney asshole singing about things that mattered to his life, in his own voice any day over some junkie (yes, Jesse was a junkie, that's why the band broke up, smarty pants... well known fact) trying to sound like he's Jamaican any day. And fuck, is "Energy" generic lyircally.

The token "have hope song", the token "music makes me happy" song, the token "schools suck" song, the token "wake up and unite!" song...The list goes on; it had all been covered before by other, better bands... And the lyrics are all pretty corny.

The music: good. But really nothing compared to old bands like the Ruts and the Clash (who they sound a lot more like than the Sex Pistols, who actually could play their instruments. Glenn was actually a much better bassist than Matt Freeman, and Steve Jones was much more original than Tim Armstrong).

The Pistols wrote political lyrics first, and much better than these guys.

i dont even have to read those comments you are referring to, to acknowledge the fact that there are inedeed plenty of idiots on this site

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

shit, double post, sorry people.

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

is it me, or do the people of this site get stupider and stupider as the days go by...............

to the person two posts below me,
how do 2 members of a 4 person band (opivy), that aren't even in that respective band anymore, make up the entire opinion of that band? you make absolutly no sense.

And, to the person three posts below me,
"they broke up cos their singer was a strung out junkie" = where the hell did u get this? you are a fucking idiot until you can back this statement up...

Also, backing the person directly below me,
why the hell are people comparing the pistols to opivy? in my opinion, opivy destroys the pistols in every way possible, as in bass, vocals, lyrics, etc., etc. With the person 6 posts below me, that said "the Pistols did it first and better", whats your point? the pistols never even tryed to do anything with ska, therefore they did nothing "first" or "better". Idiots.

Lasty, GreenVandal, you may have stated one of the smartest points that more than 75% of the scene completely ignore, when you said "I like music because of its quality, not because of its history." Thank you, its good to know that theres at least 1 person here with some type of intelligence.

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

is it me, or do the people of this site get stupider and stupider as the days go by...............

to the person two posts below me,
how do 2 members of a 4 person band (opivy), that aren't even in that respective band anymore, make up the entire opinion of that band? you make absolutly no sense.

And, to the person three posts below me,
"they broke up cos their singer was a strung out junkie" = where the hell did u get this? you are a fucking idiot until you can back this statement up...

Also, backing the person directly below me,
why the hell are people comparing the pistols to opivy? in my opinion, opivy destroys the pistols in every way possible, as in bass, vocals, lyrics, etc., etc. With the person 6 posts below me, that said "the Pistols did it first and better", whats your point? the pistols never even tryed to do anything with ska, therefore they did nothing "first" or "better". Idiots.

Lasty, GreenVandal, you may have stated one of the smartest points that more than 75% of the scene completely ignore, when you said "I like music because of its quality, not because of its history." Thank you, its good to know that theres at least 1 person here with some type of intelligence.

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

ok listen i dont know why so many people are comparing operation ivy and sex pistols they are different other than the fact they both have realitively political lyrics operation ivy was the first and best ska-core band and they dont compare to pistols because they are different bands with different styles. Also how do you compare a mediocre punk ska band like LTJ to a ska-core band like Slapstick? Slapstick is a hundered times better than LTJ but not then operation ivy. anyway op ivy is amazing no matter what people might think

Anonymous (June 19, 2003)

Op Ivy caring about being "underground"? Ha! They're so punk that 2 of the 4 members are now in a rap-rock group that has its music videos shown on MTV hourly.

Anonymous (June 18, 2003)

Oh come off it, they broke up cos their singer was a strung out junkie. Pistols songs stand up better than Op Ivy songs anyway.

Ummmm....minoritys dont deserve a boost in to college. And i dont see how tha is relevant in todays discussion of how much better Op Ivy is then those bands. History is great, but in the end whatever sounds the best is the best, regardless of the influence. These guys broke up to avoid the one thing that they were most againt, mainstream acceptance. If thats not the embodiment of underground ideals, the I dont know what is. I love this band.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

And weren't you also the one who lectured about how bad it is to give minorities a boost into college? Let me put it this way, the Pistols did it first and better. Jesse's lyrics look like shit next to Rotten's, as do most political songs, with the exception of CRASS, DK, and a few others. I like Op Ivy, but they AREN'T THAT GREAT. Other bands who combined ska and punk before them (besides the god awful Bosstones):

Ruts
Specials
Madness
Selector
Clash (you may have heard of them! They are the biggest musical influence to these guys, but you wouldn't know that unless you knew anything about what you like to go on and on about)
Oh fuck, I'm going blank. Oh well. I remember a few other bands.

Anonymous (June 17, 2003)

The Pistols were ok, Op Ivy is better. I like music because of its quality, not because of its history.

-GreenVandal

Anonymous (June 16, 2003)

Oh yeah Gilam, man! Yeah Op Ivy created punk! Fuck the Pistols, man! OP IVY WERE THE FIRST! Hey, dude! Only stupid people listen to old punk! GET WITH IT. Hey, I'll burn you an NFG record if you want. They are awesome. Who are the Buzzcocks? Oh well, I'll never check them out, cos I'm sure they'll never be as good.

^typical "huge Op Ivy fan"^

I'd love Op Ivy if their fan base was not as stupid as it apparently is.

Anonymous (June 16, 2003)

"The Sex Pistols were no where near Op Ivy musically, lyrically, and live. Don't compare bands by how long they existed."

Hahahhaa.

All you little kids are funny...

These guys are great, this is a 5 star album, but they don't compare with the Pistols. If you that's what you think, I feel sorry for you.

Kids who know every tiny detail about new punk, and NOTHING about old punk are the most pathetic.

Anonymous (June 16, 2003)

this just in: Op Ivy has signed onto Warner and will reunite for one show at the TRL studios.

Ummm.... yeah. Apparantly someone has way too much time on their hands...

Anonymous (June 10, 2003)

somebody reloaded this a few times...

#2

Anonymous (October 17, 2002)

everytime i hear the name or put on one of their records my heart literally starts beating faster. they were my first "real" punk (or skapunk for that matter) band, and although i don't listen to that music anymore, i just can't let op ivy go. i've met jesse twice now.. the fact that the person that had wrote such incredible lyrics was standing in front of me just continues to blow my mind.

Anonymous (September 26, 2002)

i cant even give a high enough rating for this album its fucking incredible. I dont even know what to say i mean just look at the amount of established punk bands who do covers of Operation Ivy and it shows the huge influence these guys had on the punk scene in their short time as a band before most of them moved on to rancid.
Silent Bob

"i thought that was kinda weird considering NOFX was a small and pretty shitty band at that time."

nofx may not be small anymore, but they're just as shitty.

and i think most any ska/punk fan out there today would kill to see op ivy live. mad props to any of you lucky bastards that did.
shit...the suicide machines are coming here on sunday and i can't even fucking go.

Anonymous (May 29, 2002)

did anyone notice that NOFX sticker on the drum kit in one of the pictures in the booklet. i thought that was kinda weird considering NOFX was a small and pretty shitty band at that time. weird...

To persuasively argue that the best punk was written after '77 is no easy task. The States produced a lot of good bands in the 80's. But if you listen to most bands today, it's as if they (unfortunately) ignored everything that occured in between the Clash and Operation Ivy. That's right, I shamelessly put the two together. In no way am I saying that Op Ivy is generally more influential. But if you're going to talk about who is more influential in the fusion of Jamaica, 2-tone and punk rock, look no further than Op Ivy. But, all this aside, Operation Ivy is one of the few truly great punk rock bands. People continue to discover them everyday, and I'm certain that will happen forever.

Anonymous (January 14, 2002)

Thia Album does not need to be reviewed. Its incredible and opivys reputation speaks for itself.

Anonymous (December 12, 2001)

ya, they should of put the "plea for peace" song and that old friendships" song and those others...

Anonymous (November 24, 2001)

Dude you need to learn how to write... And spell.. You stupid fucker!!!!

Anonymous (November 24, 2001)

Yo, The Sex Pistols sucked cock and their repective nutz.
all of you are posers if you dont credit OP IVY and if you suck their cocks.

Theorem

Anonymous (November 23, 2001)

Hot damn someone said Choking Victim. That's some nice Crack Rock Steady Beats going down. And Operation Ivy are greatness. I tend to like the songs off Hectic more than Energy, but they're both on this album so it's even better. (Why didn't they include the 4 "Plea for Peace" songs on this?)

Anonymous (November 22, 2001)

Why does everyone always count out Catch 22? They are SO fucking amazing live and in the studio. Jesus Christ live they play faster than anyone ever. It is brilliant. Love them and buy their cd's. And yes I know I am "riding their jocks," but they fucking rule.

Operation Ivy is one of the only two ska punk bands I like. They are originals. The other band is Assorted Jelly Beans. I wouldn't say that The Jelly Beans blatantly copy Op.Ivy in every sense of the word. They have their own sound, and put a lot of weirdness into their stuff. I'd rather say they are mildly inspired by Op.Ivy. In one sense of the word.

Anonymous (November 21, 2001)

in my opinion, this has to be one of the most important albums ever written/recorded.

Ha, the Sex Pistols were damn good musicians, so good they couldn't even play instruments, and boy Johnny Rotten had some amazing lyrics, no one will match up to his genius. Hot damn, don't even get me going about how good the Sex Pistols were live, you know that wobble in place for half a hour in a drunken stupor blew every other bands live show away.

Anonymous (November 18, 2001)

I don't think anyone is giving Operation Ivy too much credit. Most everyone here seems to acknowledge that they followed in the footsteps of their heroes--something each of the band members have never denied.

But I don't think anyone can deny how INSPIRATIONAL they were. Scores of underground American bands have played away endlessly in the name of ska and punk, but few have been as loved as Op Ivy. They may have only lasted as long as the Sex Pistols, but they didn't have a media feeding frenzy behind their popularity and a bunch of shit talking assholes in their band wearing Nazi t-shirts to further the publicity. Operation Ivy is known and loved soley for the music and the message. --Cos

Anonymous (November 18, 2001)

Why don't the Sex Pistols compare to Op Ivy lyrically, musically, or live? Oh, because you prefer the latter, and are busy riding the collective jocks of Op Ivy's members.

Anonymous (November 18, 2001)

Just because they were around a short time doesn't mean they're overrated. Tons of great punk bands were around a short time, it's the ones that stay together that eventually turn to crap.
Sometimes bands just stick around for a certain time, place, and energy, that maybe fades out in 3 or so years. So when you listen to the records you remember that certain great era that doesn't exist anymore(i.e. late 80's Gillman street).

The Sex Pistols were no where near Op Ivy musically, lyrically, and live. Don't compare bands by how long they existed.

Anonymous (November 18, 2001)

Thank you, that is all I was trying to say!

Anonymous (November 17, 2001)

The Clash were heavily influenced by ALL of the various Jamacian musical forms: Ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, whatever (some people actually call them all ska, since the latter forms are just offshoots of ska, sort of like we lump all the various offshoots of R&B under rock and roll). I agree with the previous message that said the Clash did indeed play some ska-punk songs. And yeah, the Bosstones formed in '85, and released their debut in 1990 too.

Anyway, I think people give Op Ivy a little too much credit. Good music, certainly, but come on, two years and one album? That reminds me of the Sex Pistols, another band given far too much credit.

Anonymous (November 17, 2001)

i know this has nothing to do with opivy, but it seems there a few people that said that on there top list of ska punk bands i saw Rx Bandits -progress

Well i got that one when i came out becouse i prevously bought there 2nd cd :1/2 way imbetween here and their and i loved it.

When i listened to there newest, i was dissapointed. Comparred to their older cd there new one sounds like a failed attempt to get on mtv.

Now dont get me wrong there are few good ones( like audio boy) but i loved every song on 1/2 way.

So if you you like progress, and if you like the ska/punk, then i reccomend 1/2 way.

Op ivy rules

also Big D

and lets not forget slapstick

Anonymous (November 17, 2001)

Would you be talking about that "blank expression on my face?" --Cos

Anonymous (November 15, 2001)

True True, I forgot to mention the Bosstones. I consider them more important than Op Ivy, though about equally as good.

Anonymous (November 15, 2001)

i also agree that op ivy gets a little too much credit, don't get me wrong i love them. but what about the mighty mighty bosstones? they had their first release in '85 and first full album in '89 that means they predate op ivy

Anonymous (November 14, 2001)

Hey your right, nobody said OP Ivy invented ska, were not debating that. I said that they perhaps get too much credit for the start of ska-punk, though they are certainly a big part of it.

Anonymous (November 13, 2001)

i second that notion cos. "The Specials" is a helluva album. Where did you get that nice sun tan anyway?- fathead

Anonymous (November 13, 2001)

I think the Specials were the earliest band to mix ska and punk. They evolved out of the English punk scene, and their ska is distinctly different from the Jamaican ska of the sixties. The earliest song I can truely consider "ska-punk" was by the Specials--"Little Bitch" from their self-titled debut. Its all there--scathing lyrics (about, natch, a girl), ska verse followed by a punk chorus, fast pace and a few sing-a-long parts. The only thing that is really missing is the distorted guitars.

As a few others mentioned, the Specials were way punk live and you can witness this in their videos. I even saw one book describe them as "a second wave punk band mislabeled as ska". They were also HUGE influences on Op. Ivy (and, by association, Rancid--check the 2-Tone poster in the "Timebomb" video). I would encourage any O.I. fans to check out "The Specials" by the Specials.

--Cos

Anonymous (November 13, 2001)

You know op ivy is like, this band, and you know. i think, like what i'm trying to say is that...ummm....well you know, yeah,man-OPIVY. See what i'm saying? I Love ska it makes me like,happy!

Dude,it's you know who.

Anonymous (November 12, 2001)

Woah, we're getting off topic, no one said Operation Ivy invented ska. They didn't, there were many bands playing ska before Operation Ivy, but no one was playing strictly ska-punk. Operation Ivy was the first and the best ska-punk band.

Anonymous (November 12, 2001)

I don't know if anyones ever heard Pressure Cooker from Victoria BC, but if you ever get the chance download them or buy their cd. Also no one mentioned Skankin Pickle, who Pressure Cooker sound a lot like. ...OP Ivy fuckin rules!!!

Anonymous (November 12, 2001)

The the person below who said the Clash never did ska, you are very wrong. The Clash did do ska, on their self titled disc and on London Calling. Yes, they did reggea as well, but they also did ska. I consider "Wrong Em Boyo" a ska song. The timing of the drums and of the upbeats are distinctively ska. As for the Specials, they never recorded much in the way of punk, but they played a bit of punk live. Fishbone's '85 release was one of their most ska releases ever.

Anonymous (November 12, 2001)

i just want to tell everyone to go to punkbands.com, scroll down to the first Operation Ivy link, and click. It's got everything there is to know about this awesome band, including a very extensive discography,including 7 iches and bootlegs. Rock, or skank, whichever you prefer.- fathead

Anonymous (November 12, 2001)

The energy Lp came out in march 89'

lookout records #0000000000010

prior to lookouts move from laytonville
to the bay.

there are ALOT of early lookout releases
that are just as good.

like "the lookouts".

to the "no one will get to see them live " comment below,lots of us saw them live and it was a blast.

Anonymous (November 11, 2001)

The Clash did reggae, never full out ska, or ska-punk. The Specials were two-tone, and hardly used any punk. Fishbone deserve some credit, but they were more fixated on funk ala the red hot hili peppers, and not very good lyrically. Op Ivy were the first ska-punk band, that played ska-punk, everyone else simply dabbled in it a few songs, thats it.

Anonymous (November 11, 2001)

Really great band, although I cant help but feel that they get too much credit for the whole ska-punk thing. I mean the Clash dabbled in ska and reggea, so did Stiff Little Fingers, hell, even the Specials punked it up sometimes in concert. A few other bands like Fishbone, whose s/t cd came out in '85, were doing ska with punk as well. Still, I love OP Ivy, I just dont think they were really the pioneers everyone thinks they are. To their credit, I think they are the best strictly ska-punk band that has ever played.

Ummm to the winnie fucker: you need to get to know some things about the people who visit this site before you get judgemental. It sounds like your in denial..criticizing others musical tastes. I will destroy you. Did I say that out loud?

Anyone who gives Operation Ivy a bad review should be banished from ever buying a punk album again. And if you don't know who they are, give it up, and go back to listening to the Backstreet Boys, they need 12 more bucks. Of course, I would recommend buying some other classic shit like Cro-Mags or GB, but Op Ivy is so much better than all these wannabe-MTV bands that you kids hype up so much on this website. By the way, I know you all hate me....and man does it feed my already enormous ego.

Winnie

Anonymous (November 10, 2001)

Indeed this is a great album. Most of the bands listed by the comments section are also great, especially Choking Victim. I'm suprised no one has mentioned anything about Downfall. Tim, Matt, and Daves band after Op Ivy broke up. If you can find the mp3s of the unreleased CD, you'll know they're great.

Anonymous (November 9, 2001)

I love this cd. it is just a shame that i will never see them live. Nothing compairs to it. LTJ and Chocking victum and sucide michines- destruction is good.

i surpised no one has said any thing about BIG D And the kids table. Man, I think that there c.d.s are the next best thing to op ivy. Big d is on Aisan Man records

Anonymous (November 9, 2001)

Definitely a CD that will forever be considered a classic in the punk and ska scenes alike. Destruction by Definition by the Suicide Machines is also absolutely amazing, as well as No Gods/No Managers by Choking Victim and Progress by Rx Bandits(although this one has a bit more than just punk and ska).

Anonymous (November 9, 2001)

Ah... my first punk album (I think) and still one of my favorites. One of the few CDs I think I'd give a perfect 10 to that I listened to when I was 16. Ah...

I think the Suicide Machines' "Destruction by Definition" is probably the next best thing to this CD, if not a blatant rip-off. I love LTJ, Slapstick is good, but Falling Sickness, AAA, and Assorted Jellybeans and go a little too off the crazy side for me and is just music to dance to at a show and little else.

For more good ska-punk, I'd recommed Animal Chin "20 Minutes from Right Now" and Telegraph's self-titled first album, aka "Ten Songs and Then Some", and maybe the first Edna's Goldfish album, if nothing else because the first track fucking destroys.

--Cos

Anonymous (November 9, 2001)

AJB and Operation Ivy sound similar to me, but that's my ears and not yours. Also, check out Falling Sickness if you like OpIv. They bring a little more punk to the table. OpIv rules.- fathead

Anonymous (November 9, 2001)

Damn, you're right. "No, no more, no bad town." I can hear the sax blazing in my ears; you got me, thanks though. But you have to admit, comparing Op Ivy to Assorted Jellybeans is way off.

Anonymous (November 9, 2001)

Haha actually there is a sax...but you missed it. Bad Town my friend...it'll get you every time.

Anonymous (November 9, 2001)

This record is my second favorite ska-core album right next to Destructin by Definition. But have you ever even listened to Assorted Jellybeans. There are horns everywhere. This album doesn't have a trumpet or sax anywhere. If it does I must have missed it.

Anonymous (November 8, 2001)

He's joking. And Choking Victim are one of the best ska-punk bands since Op-Ivy, but will never be as great. No ska-punk band will be as great as Operation Ivy

Anonymous (November 8, 2001)

What the fuck is the person below me talking about? Blink? Op.Ivy getting signed to a label because of them? Jesse Michaels sounding too much like rancid? This band gave birth to Rancid!

Slapstick, LTJ and Rancid are the only ska-punk bands who came close to being this good....but Operation Ivy are the kings....

Jimi

Anonymous (November 8, 2001)

This is a great band. I think that these guys kind of owe a lot to blink for opening the door for this kind of music. If it weren't for them, op ivy would've never been signed. The dude sounds too much like he wants to be rancid though. Other than that its really good.

Anonymous (November 8, 2001)

great band!!

Anonymous (November 8, 2001)

Operation Ivy was great, and would've ended up the biggest cult band ever had they stayed together. Imagine, all of Jesse's songs and all of Tims songs in one band. Would've been amazing.

I'm kind of happy they broke up, it just gives me that feel of a great certain time and place whenever I hear their music. It sucks nobody will be able to see them live.

Anonymous (November 8, 2001)

correct me if i'm wrong but isn't Destruction by Definition the Suicide Machines?

Anonymous (November 8, 2001)

Canada fucking sucks! this cd cost me 22.99 in a indie store!

Anonymous (November 8, 2001)

very good, very nice, but what are your thoughts on destruction by definition?

no one should even download any song by operation ivy, hell, you shouldn't even try it.

all you have to do is to spend you 11 dollars (15 in amazon.com, 14 elsewhere, 11 in some good punk store), and listen to operation ivy, because you have to appreciate the song arrangement to be blown away.